I've thought of hiring someone . . . I don't think my apartments would let me close of the entire space . . . and ZenGum isn't very nice.

If you close it in with wire, it wouldn't have to be permanent.

I agree...Zengum is very mean!

I just can't figure out how to make it escape proof and not permanent, simultaneously. Even if I had a permanent structure, say a wire mesh affair, I still would need some kind of cat flap+tunnel to the structure. Maybe it can't be done to my specifications. Wouldn't be the first time.

It's also VERY windy out there sometimes--I mean VERY windy, so anything not enormously heavy or anchored down gets tossed around.

Maybe if you could take some more pics of the space on your balcony some of the handmen here could give you some tips?

Sorry, I was channeling Steven King.

A solution for kitties
 

H2SO4

Do you have an old screen for the door? You could ask the maintenence folks at your complex if there is an old one in storage. If you do find one, you could cut out the shape and use light wire to weave the walkway into it. If the screen is really lightweight you can cut it with a regular pair of shears, if not get some wire cutters.

If you don't find a screen you can price them. Home Depot will make them to size as well. That may be too pricey though.

Second hand screen doors are likely available at building scrap yards.

What makes you afraid to let them run free? - Neighbour's tom cat? Do you think they won't return? Or are there evil, cat-abducting ZenGummies ?

I guess I'm confused. Do you want something for them to be on the patio, or do you want something for them to be outdoors, like and outdoor area on the grass? Because if you want an outdoor area, I know someone who has used this cat fence... http://www.deerbusters.com/cat---dog...g-systems.html They have an acre fenced in with this for their feral cats, and it works.

Check out the two patio cat doors on this page. Last two on the right...
http://www.moorepet-petdoors.com/Cat...FQudnAodTVWQ0g
http://www.hitecpet.com/copetdo.html more patio doors

Maybe you could contact these people. http://www.thecatshouse.com/ I know they are doing consulting work now, and they had been designing a way for their cats to be outside in an enclosure. (I really wish they would get the site up and running again. Their house is an amazing playground for kitties.)

That's what I'd do. Just get a roll or two of chicken wire fencing or similar and go to town.

Fish netting is easier to work with for the transition at the doorway. Velcro the edges and fold or just stuff in a shopping bag when not in use.

just tie two lengths of elastic to the door handle and tie the other ends round the kittehs. or use crazy glue. :D

Bruce you reminded me of a rhyme my mother taught me..

Kenny was a chemist, but now he is no more
for what he thought was H2O, was H2SO4

I think cats will try to climb fish netting. And cats can overcome velcro easily.

ali, shame on you. we expect radar to be sexist, you not so much. Or were you maybe thinking one of the handmen could give cloud a handjob while the women solved the problem? ;)

Cloud, I don't see why you view adapting a screen door as "too permanent" -you can slide it back for temporary removal, and just pop it off completely when you don't need it "ready to go". they're just set on 4 little runners and come off very easily. I'd work on a diagram but I've already procrastinated too much today.

Fish netting is a good idea. Since the clear plastic is hard to see, you could probably even do the entire balcony and it wouldn't be very noticeable. The management would probably leave her alone.

Wouldn't enclosing the balcony, rather than using the run she bought, have to include a top? You know cats are going to want to perch as high as they can.